Following debate this week on the situation of the least developed countries (LDCs), the UNCTAD Trade and Development Board called for LDCs and their development partners to focus on steps leading to durable economic growth.

Africa has a bright future for attracting investment, but must use the opportunity to boost industry and improve infrastructure, H.E. Mr. Rob Davies, Minister of Trade and Industry of South Africa told the UNCTAD Trade and Development Board today during the Board's discussions under its agenda item on "Investment for Development."

Improving the world's 48 poorest nations' productive capacities, thus enabling them to link effectively into the global economy, is vital for helping them to transcend the "LDC" category, experts told the Trade and Development Board.

Experts at the UNCTAD Trade and Development Board session today said African countries will have to make major structural changes to their economies -- and should look at it as an opportunity to get in on the ground floor of green economic growth.